An Introduction to Herbalism

The use of plants as medicine is our oldest form of healing, and traditional botanically based medicine is still the predominant form of medical treatment in today’s world. At certain periods inhistory, herbalism had peaks of knowledge and usage. Then came the art of pharmacology which turned to the production of drugs (which derived from isolating certain chemical compounds from plants)that could bring the quickest relief of symptoms, ignoring the reason that the symptoms appeared.

As we look back, perhaps it is time to reconsider that path. The use of these substances has spawned a myriad of unexpected problems, such as suppression of the very signals that our bodies produce to alert us to a need for change. Pain itself is a call to action- a call to remedy an imbalance in our lifestyle.

The proficient use of herbal therapy is directly connected to our ability to sense the first signal and to adjust our lifestyle accordingly. It is when these signals are continually ignored that disease has a chance to seat itself more deeply within our body.

The use of herbs is only one of many healthy alternatives to our present medical system. It is my hope for you that you will be inspired to explore your own lifestyle and body balance and to study this and other forms of natural healing as YOU take increasing responsibility for your own health.

I believe that as people turn to natural plant based medicine, they will rediscover their appreciation for the earth and their own health.